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The Las Vegas skyline is arguably the most unique in the US, and while Las Vegas photos often center on the Strip and the casinos, it's well worth stepping back to see the whole picture of the city and its downtown. You only have to fly into the fluorescent monster at night to see how one could make this case. Not only is the multicolored horizon peppered with the sparkling lights of the hotels and resort casinos, but there are also more than 160 high-rises, at least 40 of which top out above 400 feet. Las Vegas skyline pictures can be found on postcards and posters from truck stops to novelty shops all over the country. From the glitz and glamor of casinos like the Bellagio, the Venetian, and Paris, to the nearly 1,200-foot Stratosphere Tower, Vegas offers a broad assortment of interesting buildings and structures that will make any photography enthusiast—or gambler—extremely happy.

Las Vegas Skyline

The Stratosphere Tower is not in the same classification as many skyscrapers because it is not an inhabitable building, but it is still the tallest structure in the city. It also happens to be the tallest observation deck in the United States. But of course in the usual Vegas style, this observation deck is not just a place where you simply look out at the city.

You can view the Las Vegas skyline from the Stratosphere Tower in ways you will never get to see it again: upside-down, whirling in circles, and even flying down the side of the tower. This is because there is bungee jumping, a roller coaster, and a ride that whips you around at an unbelievable pace as you stare straight down nearly 1,200 feet to the ground. However, the faint of heart should not be put off by this picture. There are plenty of opportunities to just relax and take your Vegas skyline pictures in the comfort and safety of the enclosed deck. Just like the city itself, there is something for everyone at the top of the Stratosphere Tower.

Assuming your window faces it of course, every hotel on or near the Strip will give you a different vantage point of the skyline, and it's a matter of personal preference which you'll think is the best. It's hard to beat the all-encompassing view from Platinum Hotel (pictured above), located one block east of the Strip. From the Platinum Hotel you can see the Hilton Grand, Planet Hollywood, Paris, Ballys, The Wheel, and north as far as The Palazzo and Wynn. You're also facing west, so if you're fortunate you may also get a gorgeous sunset enhancing the already photo-ready view.

The Fontainebleau Resort is technically the tallest building in Las Vegas, rising 735 feet. The Palazzo, the Encore at Wynn Las Vegas, Tower One of the Trump International Hotel, and the Wynn Las Vegas round out the list of the top five tallest buildings in the city. The Palazzo has the distinction of being the tallest hotel in Las Vegas, while the Trump Tower One is the tallest residential structure in the city.

Of course these are just a few of the buildings that pepper the Las Vegas skyline. The ones you will perhaps be most interested in seeing are the ones that offer amazing casinos, hotels, clubs, restaurants, and shopping. For instance, the New York New York Hotel and Casino and the Paris Casino have elements that directly emulate the actual cities. There are wonderful restaurants where you can enjoy Parisian dishes within view of a two-thirds scale model of the Eiffel Tower, and many more features that make these casinos memorable experiences. The Mandarin Oriental, Venetian, Palms, and Bellagio all offer luxurious experiences as well.

Although it is possible to capture Las Vegas skyline pictures from a variety of hotel rooms, restaurants, clubs, and other destinations around the city, if you truly wish to capture something special, you should strongly consider a trip to the top of the Stratosphere Tower. It is an experience that you will not soon forget.